at equal money yes, but semin is going to want more than 5.1 right?
- flyersfan51

Depends on the length of the deal. Probably gets about $5 mil on a short-term deal, a little less the more years you add.

See the first paragraph of the blog -- There is time and now plenty of cap space w/o Carle or Jagr this offseason to improve team.

But there is no way to spin the handling of Carle and ZP/RS (when it turned out Pittsburgh wasn't a serious consideration for either player) as anything but a pair of miscalculations on what they initially WANTED to do.
- bmeltzer

Bill is it possible Carle and Holmgren had a handshake deal in place, and when the Wideman deal went down, Carle's agent placed a call to Holmgren that pissed him off? Obviously there isn't any way of knowing this, but I can see this as something that may have happened.

that's a general statement...that you build your team during the summer. both COL and DAL made lopsided deals in-season because there was an obvious pressing need and the other teams had leverage to extract what they wanted. would rather make deals w/o the pressure of needing results.
- isaiah520

Assembling a paper champion in July has never been a problem for the Flyers. Having the flexibility in-season to fill needs and improve has always been a problem since they installed the salary cap. I see losing out on the premier UFA's as a blessing in disguise, like Homer tripping on a banana peel and dodging a bullet(s) as a result. The only worry now is that he doesn't overcompensate in the trade market. Otherwise, this team is set up pretty nicely, both lineup and salary wise.

I ask you this...When was the last time the Flyers went into a season with over 5 million in cap space, let alone almost 15 million with Pronger's LTIR??? They will make a move, and it will be a big one.

The young players on the Flyers should be ecstatic right now. A lot of opportunity for increased ice time and even power play time has opened up. Schenn, Read, Couts, and some of the young defense are going to have bigger roles and minutes this season.

It's pretty exciting.

Good luck to Matt Carle.
He could get 40-50 assists playing with Stamkos this year.

Let's just say he's not known for his defensive capabilties. Neither of the Sedin Sisters are.
- LordStanley88

i don't think we definitively know that. they're just used very wisely by vigneault to squeeze as much offense out of them as possible.

Don't know if Homer has, but I would take a look at Gragnani. Thought he played well against the Flyers in 2011. Flyers still have a good team, didn't overpay anyone and have cap space. Only thing I don't like is farkin Leighton.

Assembling a paper champion in July has never been a problem for the Flyers. Having the flexibility in-season to fill needs and improve has always been a problem since they installed the salary cap. I see losing out on the premier UFA's as a blessing in disguise, like Homer tripping on a banana peel and dodging a bullet(s) as a result. The only worry now is that he doesn't overcompensate in the trade market. Otherwise, this team is set up pretty nicely, both lineup and salary wise.
- Tomahawk

Assembling a paper champion in July has never been a problem for the Flyers. Having the flexibility in-season to fill needs and improve has always been a problem since they installed the salary cap. I see losing out on the premier UFA's as a blessing in disguise, like Homer tripping on a banana peel and dodging a bullet(s) as a result. The only worry now is that he doesn't overcompensate in the trade market. Otherwise, this team is set up pretty nicely, both lineup and salary wise.
- Tomahawk

Truthfully, I don't think the roster as currently constructed is strong enough to contend. Too many holes in the bottom 6 and a lack of size on the wings is very noticable. Not happy with our depth (or lack thereof) either at both forward and defense.

Still holding out hope some moves will be made.

I ask you this...When was the last time the Flyers went into a season with over 5 million in cap space, let alone almost 15 million with Pronger's LTIR??? They will make a move, and it will be a big one.
- Jimmygrazz

It's kind of funny actually. It's almost like Homer has to be at the max all the time. A little patience could be very rewarding.

See the first paragraph of the blog -- There is time and now plenty of cap space w/o Carle or Jagr this offseason to improve team.

But there is no way to spin the handling of Carle and ZP/RS (when it turned out Pittsburgh wasn't a serious consideration for either player) as anything but a pair of miscalculations on what they initially WANTED to do.
- bmeltzer

Bill, did you watch Eric Fehr play at all last year? Wondering what, besides injury, happened to him. If he's healthy, might he be a decent cheap addition to the bottom 6?

I wouldn't want him for a nickel
- Jsaquella

Jsaq - Let's assume that Homer is as disappointed with the offseason so far as a lot of us are (I for one completely agree with Bill's assessment from a few pages ago).

Everyone is aware of how bold he is. So he will do something. So now, the choices are:

1. Trade Couturier+ for Nash or Ryan (and I do think he blinks first and gives up Couturier in a deal).

2. Sign Semin and pray the team can keep him straight.

Which is the lesser of the evils? I really don't want to break up the young talent that we have, and would rather risk Semin. If it all goes south, he'll leave for the K anyway.

i don't think we definitively know that. they're just used very wisely by vigneault to squeeze as much offense out of them as possible.
- OrangeBlack27

They aren't good defensive players. They lack any kind of physical game and while they aren't weak positionally, the Sedin bros aren't strong back-checkers either.

Very creative and dynamic offensive players without question, but I'm not sure why you're trying to play devil's advocate here. Defense is not their forte.

Truthfully, I don't think the roster as currently constructed is strong enough to contend. Too many holes in the bottom 6 and a lack of size on the wings is very noticable. Not happy with our depth (or lack thereof) either at both forward and defense.

Still holding out hope some moves will be made.
- LordStanley88

Did you see the Devils and Kings vying for the Stanley Cup last summer?

If we just based everything on paper, they might as well just have awarded the Cup to Vancouver last summer to avoid the inconvenience of playing out the season.

Jsaq - Let's assume that Homer is as disappointed with the offseason so far as a lot of us are (I for one completely agree with Bill's assessment from a few pages ago).

Everyone is aware of how bold he is. So he will do something. So now, the choices are:

1. Trade Couturier+ for Nash or Ryan (and I do think he blinks first and gives up Couturier in a deal).

2. Sign Semin and pray the team can keep him straight.

Which is the lesser of the evils? I really don't want to break up the young talent that we have, and would rather risk Semin. If it all goes south, he'll leave for the K anyway.
- TheGreat28

Couturier will NOT be moved. I'd guarantee it.

Jsaq - Let's assume that Homer is as disappointed with the offseason so far as a lot of us are (I for one completely agree with Bill's assessment from a few pages ago).

Everyone is aware of how bold he is. So he will do something. So now, the choices are:

1. Trade Couturier+ for Nash or Ryan (and I do think he blinks first and gives up Couturier in a deal).

2. Sign Semin and pray the team can keep him straight.

Which is the lesser of the evils? I really don't want to break up the young talent that we have, and would rather risk Semin. If it all goes south, he'll leave for the K anyway.
- TheGreat28

not only no, but hell no.

all things being equal

the cost to acquire makes it even better for Semin
- bradleyc4

u r bold, sir.

Couturier will NOT be moved. I'd guarantee it.
- LordStanley88

That's what was said about Richards, Sbisa....

Bill, did you watch Eric Fehr play at all last year? Wondering what, besides injury, happened to him. If he's healthy, might he be a decent cheap addition to the bottom 6?
- hobo

Fehr's skating and health have always held him back... he's got silky hands and a sniper's eye, but he really has trouble 5v5.

Did you see the Devils and Kings vying for the Stanley Cup last summer?

If we just based everything on paper, they might as well just have awarded the Cup to Vancouver last summer to avoid the inconvenience of playing out the season.
- Tomahawk

The Kings most definitely. If anything, they underachieved during the regular season. After the Richards trade, they were expected to be big-time contenders.

Nonetheless, you bring up good points. However, the off-season is still about putting your club in the best possible position to contend and compete for the Stanley Cup and right now we've gotten further from our goal. Obviously there is still time left though for Homer to improve the roster.

Did you see the Devils and Kings vying for the Stanley Cup last summer?

If we just based everything on paper, they might as well just have awarded the Cup to Vancouver last summer to avoid the inconvenience of playing out the season.
- Tomahawk

The Kings up until very late in the season were looking on the outside of making the playoffs. They also were the lowest scoring team in the NHL for a good portion of the season.

That's what was said about Richards, Sbisa....
- TheGreat28

I realize that, but 10 and 14 are untouchable. Homer won't move those guys for basically anyone.

Fehr's skating and health have always held him back... he's got silky hands and a sniper's eye, but he really has trouble 5v5.
- Tomahawk

yeah thought he'd be an option, but his underlying numbers are hideous.

I'm a huge Ryan fan, and I don't mind Doan either. We could use a big winger or two. Ryan @ 5.1 for 3 years is a steal. Doan would be great on a 3-year deal worth 5 or less. Can we obtain both? Whatever the supposed deal for Ryan would be... Voracek, Read, Gus, MAB, picks, whatever. Then sign Doan same day?

Also, hands down I'd prefer Ryan over Semin. However, Semin would not cost us any assets to obtain, Ryan will cost us several. If we're looking bigger picture here, but not throwing away the upcoming season... signing Semin to a short-term deal to play on G's wing, keeps the rest of the kids together for the entire year, we stay competitive, and have cap flexibility at the TDL and next off-season.

Just some thoughts.

I'm a huge Ryan fan, and I don't mind Doan either. We could use a big winger or two. Ryan @ 5.1 for 3 years is a steal. Doan would be great on a 3-year deal worth 5 or less. Can we obtain both? Whatever the supposed deal for Ryan would be... Voracek, Read, Gus, MAB, picks, whatever. Then sign Doan same day?

Also, hands down I'd prefer Ryan over Semin. However, Semin would not cost us any assets to obtain, Ryan will cost us several. If we're looking bigger picture here, but not throwing away the upcoming season... signing Semin to a short-term deal to play on G's wing, keeps the rest of the kids together for the entire year, we stay competitive, and have cap flexibility at the TDL and next off-season.

Just some thoughts.
- Rocktane

Cap wise, they could afford it.

However, the odds are Doan will stay in Phoenix.